Care for Your Garden

by Denise Mason 10/06/2019

Gardens can be quite difficult to maintain sometime with so many things that can go wrong. The weather is a primary factor; there will be slugs when it's wet, greenfly when it's dry, frost damage when it's cold and red spider mite when it's hot. So, both expert and novice gardeners can expect problems.

The big difference is that the expert knows what to look for and steps to take when there are garden troubles. Here are some ways to ensure a well-tended garden:

Pruning properly

It is necessary for guaranteeing fruit and flower production, but it is also crucial in the war against pests and diseases. Cut out dead wood. Remove overcrowded branches to provide adequate ventilation. 

Choose wisely when buying plants

Reject soft bulbs, lanky bedding plants, old seeds, unhealthy looking shrubs, and disease-ridden perennials.

Plan carefully

Make sure that the plant is suited to the site. Avoid sun lovers if the shade is a problem, avoid tender plants if the garden is exposed and prone to frost. Rotation of plants is essential for many vegetables so be sure to understand a plant’s nuances before choosing it.

Spray to prevent disease

Fungicides tend to be protectants rather than cures. So you should spray as soon as you see the rust spots. In some cases (e.g., black spot, peach leaf curl) you must spray before visible signs of the disease. 

Remove dead plants, rubbish, and weeds

Rotting plants can often be a source of infection, and some attract pests to the garden. Boxes, old flower pots, etc. are a breeding ground for slugs and woodlice. Weeds rob plants of food, water, light, and space. Hoe or pull them out - take care if you use a weedkiller.

Feed the plants regularly and adequately 

Shortages of nutrients can lead to many problems, weak growth, small blooms, lowered disease resistance and discolored leaves. But take care, overfeeding can cause scorch and unbalanced feeding with too much nitrogen can result in lots of leaves and few flowers.

Prepare the ground thoroughly

A strong-growing plant is more likely to withstand pest or disease attack than a weak specimen. Water logging due to insufficient soil preparation is the underlying cause of failure in heavy soils. Add a humus maker when digging. Remove perennial weed roots. Add suitable chemicals to the earth if pests have gnawed roots elsewhere in the garden. 

Talk to a landscaping company in your area for more gardening tips today.

About the Author
Author

Denise Mason

Hi! I'm Denise Mason. WELCOME to my Website! Being a full-time REALTOR® gives me the opportunity to assist in achieving your wants, desires, needs, and priorities in selling or finding a home. My goal is to take care of my real estate clients by providing an exceptional, no drama experience that you not only deserve but should demand in the hectic and competitive marketplace of today. I work closely with you throughout your entire real estate transaction. I work to be your family REALTOR® for life. Success begins and ends with good communication. I love what I do and do what I love! I am positive, enthusiastic and truly enjoy people and the real estate business. My commitment to you, my client extends far beyond a single transaction. My goal is to communicate, educate and exceed expectations! As the daughter, wife, and mother of active duty and retired service members, I've had numerous relocation experiences; renting, buying and selling a home. I grew up in Arlington County, VA and lived there for more than 20 years. Upon my husband's retirement from the Army we could think of no better place to call home than Virginia, the place of our childhood. I have been a Prince William County resident since 1997. We have raised and educated three children in the Prince William County School system. My family is my pride and priority which makes me no different than you or any other individual who wants a safe and comfortable environment for yourself, family and friends. I look forward to helping you achieve your real estate goals. Call me at 703-283-0969 or email me so we can meet over tea or coffee & I can get to work for you!